Karcher K4 Power Control Review
Published By - 12th August 2022
Kärcher offers two versions of the K4 Power Control line (Successor model to the K4 Full Control, which is no longer manufactured).
- K4 Premium Power Control
- K4 Power Control
We’ve bought both, unboxed them, put them together and tested them extensively. We paid particular attention to these points:
- Is the device easy to assemble?
- How easily can it be moved and transported?
- How does the general quality feel?
- How easy is it to set up the device?
- How quickly and reliably can stubborn dirt be removed?
- Is it comfortable to work with?
In this review we will show you our experiences.
Kärcher K4 Premium Power Control vs. K4 Power Control – what’s the difference?
The Premium version has a reel for the pressure hose, the Power Control version does not. Other than that, there is zero difference between the two devices.
In the box
- Unit incl. 8-meter pressure hose
- G 160 Q Power Control Gun
(With display that shows the different pressure levels) - Dirt Blaster spray lance
(Equipped with a rotating nozzle for removing very stubborn dirt) - Vario Power spray lance
(Adjustable pressure level: soft, middle and hard)
The appliance does not come fully assembled. You have to screw on the wheels and some brackets before you can start cleaning. Logically, you need a screwdriver for this.
The assembly is not complicated. If you follow the instructions in a disciplined manner, you will not need more than 15-20 minutes. It is best to ask someone to help you; it is even easier and quicker with two people.
The Kärcher App
Download the Kärcher App (Home and Garden) to your smartphone and then scan the QR code provided (as shown in the image). This registers your specific Kärcher model and provides you with tailored information.
For example, Kärcher shows you step by step how best to clean a car or a patio, what accessories you need and of course you can also order something straight away from the Kärcher online shop.
Especially for beginners or people who rarely use their pressure washer, this is quite helpful.
The app is easy to use, just play around with it a bit and you will find some helpful information.
Kärcher K4 Power Control Specifications
| Max. pressure (bar) | 130 |
| Flow rate (l/min.) | 6.3 |
| Operating weight (kg) | 13.1 |
| Dimensions (mm) | 402x306x590 |
| Area performance (m2/h) | 30 |
| Power cable (m) | 5 |
| Pressure hose (m) | 8 |
How we tested
We cleaned dirty stone slabs and a dirty wall in the garden patio of a detached house for about 1 hour.
How to set up the Karcher K4 Power Control
How to Use the Karcher K4 Power Control
Pros and Cons of the Karcher K4 Power Control
Pros
- User friendly
- Quickly and easily set up
- Removes stubborn dirt on medium-sized surfaces quickly and reliably
- Although the K4 Power Control is quite heavy, it can be moved comfortably thanks to the telescopic handle and the wheels.
Cons
- Difficult to roll up and unroll the pressure hose
- The holder for lances is not optimal
- The device is relatively heavy; carrying it and putting it into a rack, for example, is a bit tedious and certainly not suitable for everyone.
Pros and Cons of the Kärcher K4 Premium Power Control
As the two devices are practically identical, the same pros and cons apply to the Premium version. With the difference, as mentioned, that the Premium model has a hose reel. And that’s definitely a significant positive.
The reel comes in handy. Without it, rolling up the pressure hose is a bit tedious. For people who use the Kärcher K4 quite often I would absolutely recommend the premium version. It saves you time and frustration.
The downside is that the premium version almost always comes together with the Car & Home kit. Which makes it, of course, considerably more expensive. On the official Kärcher online shop, you can’t buy the stand-alone version. So if you don’t need or don’t want the car and home kit it’s probably not worth it.
(Though I was able to buy one on Amazon Germany, but that seemed to be an exception)
The K4 Premium Power Control reel in action
Should You Buy The Kärcher K4 Power Control?
For people who occasionally want to clean heavily soiled objects around the house and larger areas such as patios, decks, or cars, the K4 Power Control is ideal.
For people who use the device frequently, we recommend the Premium version. Rolling up and unrolling the pressure hose is a walk in the park.
It is not overly expensive, of good quality and easy to use. It is not for nothing that the K4 is the best-selling Kärcher model.
Kärcher K4 Power Control price
| Model | current price | Discount off list price | You save | last update | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kärcher K4 Power Control | £179.00 | 25% | £60.99 | Buy on Amazon | 2024-04-19 |
| K4 Premium Power Control (only available with car & home kit) | £345.13 | Buy on Amazon | 2024-04-19 |
If you only want to clean smaller objects, such as bicycles or garden tools, there are cheaper and more suitable pressure washers.
Or try a smaller, cheaper Kärcher model, such as the K3 or K2.
If you want to use the appliance frequently and have very large, heavily soiled areas to clean, there are also better alternatives.
A solution could be the Kärcher K7.
Useful Articles
- Here you’ll find attractive pressure washer deals
- Not sure which pressure washer is for you? Read our buying guide; it’ll help you!
- Download the K4 Power Control instruction manual here
